COVID-19 Trade Show Update
For the last 22 years, trade shows were a way to help our publishing clients improve their exposure and branding via Foreword’s collective stands. Due to the global pandemic, we have unfortunately been unable to continue this service. Following, please find an update on our schedule for 2021 and beyond.
The 2020 Bologna Children's Book Fair has been cancelled and the 2021 event is still being planned for June 14–17th. Registered 2020 books will automatically be moved to this event.
The 2020 American Library Association Conference & Exhibition scheduled for June has been cancelled and Midwinter ALA in 2021 will be virtual. If you've already registered with us, your titles will be automatically moved to the next event.
The 2020 Frankfurt Book Fair was changed to a virtual event in September. All registered titles were automatically listed in the Frankfurt Rights Catalog.
Participation in future events will be noted here as the story unfolds.
Bologna Children's Book Fair
The best foreign rights exposure for children's books publishers is the annual Bologna Children's Book Fair: nearly 25,000 international professional trade reps and agents from 75 countries scout for gems and do deals on a 20,000 square meter show floor. In Bolognese book-speak, children's books means picture books, and the show floors of the Bologna fiere are awash with some of the most astounding art and artists anywhere.
Under the best of circumstances, by exhibiting in Bologna, your top titles might generate rights interest with publishers from several countries (typically, a foreign rights deal includes a non-refundable advance and a royalty rate of 7–8%). So, with no out of pocket expense—except for the exhibit fee to have your title displayed at the Foreword booth—you stand to earn an unexpected windfall. Representatives from Foreword direct visiting agents and reps to the appropriate shelves (books are arranged by genre) and collect business cards and contact information when interest in a certain title is expressed. Foreword will then pass on the contact info to the corresponding publisher. Your title will also receive a listing in the online version of the show guide; rigorously studied by agents before and after the actual event. For an idea of last year's event, visit this blog post.
We welcome the opportunity to represent you in one of several ways: showcase each of your titles individually or organize a larger space through our turnkey service, CBUSA (includes reserving display panels or a private booth, bookshelves, tables/chairs, carpet, shipping, registration, and catalog listing).
How to Register
Fee per title is $215. Enter five titles and save $25 per title. You will need to mail a one-page Sell Sheet with your book. You can supply your own or use our service. For publishers interested in displaying more than ten titles at one show we also offer customized signage and meeting space for an additional fee. Please contact Victoria Sutherland (victoria@forewordreviews.com) for more information.
Books can be registered for a trade show right here. Your receipt will contain details about how to get your book to us. You will need to mail a one-page Sell Sheet with your book. You can supply your own or use our service. If you have any questions, check our FAQ or call us at 231.933.3699.